General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Wet prairies, swamps, marshes, pond edges, moist meadows
Native States: FL, AL, GA, MS, LA, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, DE, NJ, PA, OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, MN, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME, AR, MO, IA, KS, NE, SD, ND
Growing Zones: 3–9
Size at Maturity: 3–5 feet tall, 1.5–3 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: Pink to mauve
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, clay
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist, wet
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Rain gardens, wetland edges, pollinator gardens, native meadows, wildlife habitat
Maintenance Tips: Cut back in winter; allow to reseed or collect seeds for propagation
Considerations: Requires moist soil to thrive; may go dormant early in drought conditions
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Caution (some parts used historically but can be toxic if not properly prepared)
Pet Safe: Caution (can be toxic if ingested)
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used by Native Americans for respiratory ailments, wounds, and as a laxative
Florida Native Companion Plant: Blue Flag Iris, Golden Canna, Buttonbush
Wildlife Benefit: Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata
Plant Conditions
Sun: Full sun to dappled shade
Height: 3'-5' Tall
Spacing: 1 1/2 - 2' apart
pH: Acidic 5.5-7.5
Soil: Moist to occasionally inundated soils
Salt Tolerance: Tolerant
Drought Tolerance: Tolerant
Native Status: Yes
Bloom Season: Mid Summer
Bloom Color: Fragrant pink to mauve blooms
Life Span: Perennial
Growth Habit: Clumping
Host: Monarch and Queen butterfly
Nectar: Yes
Wildlife Benefit: Provides important nectar and shelter for wildlife, and its seed pods are a food source for birds.
Propagation: The best way to propagate Swamp Milkweed is by division or cuttings. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place and remain viable for up to three years. Seeds do not require cold stratification but germination rates may increase with cold stratification. Or sow seeds in the fall.
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